It was a quick turn-around for the professional sportsman who at one stage was a serious contender for Carlton captain.

An on-going knee injury, lead to Nick's resignation from the AFL in December.

Within two months he was settling into his new role as senior youth counsellor with Youth Focus - a non-profit WA organisation assisting 'at risk' young people.

The Adelaide-born, 29-year old is openly honest with his disappointment in not achieving the great successes footy players aim for.

However, that regret has given way to a much greater satisfaction stemming from using his Masters Degree in Psychology to help others.

While in Melbourne, Nick was juggling training and playing football with his involvement in the mental health community. He would often visit schools and other football clubs to discuss mental health issues and concerns with young people.

At Youth Focus, the emphasis is very much on suicide prevention.

According to Nick, "Geraldton as a region is at a greater risk than other places in Australia of youth suicide."

He adds, "I want to intervene in the lives of young men before they seriously consider going down the path of suicide or self-harm."